Posted on June 13, 2023
Mary Free Bed Celebrates 2023 PM&R Residency Graduates
Mary Free Bed is honored to congratulate its newest class of graduating residents. Five physicians are headed into the next phase of their careers after graduating from Mary Free Bed’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency program in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The residents finished their post-graduate training program through the single-specialty teaching hospital which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
What is a physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). They’re highly trained, board-certified physicians who focus on whole body treatment for the musculoskeletal system and its pain-causing disorders.
Physiatrists complete four years of medical school and four years of residency training. The first year of residency is focused on developing fundamental clinical skills, and the remaining three years are focused on training in the full scope of their specialty.
PM&R Residency at Mary Free Bed
Mary Free Bed’s PM&R Residency program includes clinical, educational and research opportunities in all areas of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Residents gained experience working with brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple trauma, amputation, cancer, and other diagnoses.
“There’s no better way to hone a craft than by teaching it, and so a residency program is an essential aspect of a high performing academic institution,” said Dr. Adam Lamm, associate program director, PM&R Residency program. “It has been so wonderful watching our residents navigate new challenges and develop into the wonderful people and physiatrists they are today.”
MEET THE 2023 MARY FREE BED PM+R RESIDENCY PROGRAM GRADUATES
Nathan Carlton, M.D.
Dr. Carlton, a graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, completed his transitional year at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids. Dr. Carlton has taken a position with Mary Free Bed, following his graduation from residency.
Jina Libby, D.O.
A graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Libby completed a transitional year of training at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. After graduating from Mary Free Bed’s physiatry residency, Dr. Libby will begin a Sports Medicine Fellowship at New York University.
John P. Rizik, D.O.
Dr. Rizik graduated from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his transitional year at Trinity Health in Livonia, Michigan. After graduating from Mary Free Bed Physiatry Residency, Dr. Rizik has accepted an opportunity with Corewell Health Spine & Pain Management in Grand Rapids.
Gregory White, D.O.
Dr. White, a graduate of A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his transitional year at Health Ford Allegiance Health. After graduating from Mary Free Bed’s Physiatry Residency, Dr. White will complete a Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Yunna Sinskey, M.D.
After graduating from Geisel Medical School at Dartmouth, Dr. Sinskey completed her transitional year at Blake Medical Center. She will begin her amputee fellowship at University of Washington following graduation from Mary Free Bed’s Physiatry Residency.
Dr. Sinskey was an addition to the original class of 2023 after she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer during her third year of residency. She battled cancer for a year, and at one point was not expected to survive. Following her recovery, she returned to finish her residency. Dr. Sinskey shared her story in a recent story with WOOD TV8.
Going Out with a Bang!
The class of 2023 celebrated with a ceremony at Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle’s house – complete with the tradition of firing an historical canon. Family, friends and past residency graduates attended to congratulate the current class on their accomplishments.
This year was considerably special in that attendees were able to commemorate the retirement of Dr. Richard Ball, Medical Director of the Mary Free Bed PM&R program, who joined in 2018 after decades working private practice.
“My time at Mary Free Bed has given me the opportunity to finish my career in medicine the way I wanted, teaching and passing on what I have learned over a lifetime to the new physicians,” said Dr. Ball. “It has provided that opportunity and more.”
Residency Programs at Mary Free Bed
Mary Free Bed’s mission is to restore hope and freedom to patients through rehabilitation, and that includes preparing the next generation of exceptional clinicians. We provide advanced clinical training in an integrated environment of professional mentorship, clinical excellence, research and education.
- Physical Medicine + Rehabilitation Residency
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency
- Orthotics + Prosthetics Residency
- Neurologic Occupational Therapy Fellowship
- Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
- Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency
Learn more about our residency programs.
